We wrap up series 4 with some great listener emails and reflections on our Red Dwarf journey so far. We also look ahead to series 5... Plus: will Fergus humble John with his surprise quiz? And we give you a special musical treat... SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 1 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Twentica. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @…

"Clifford the Big Bastard of a Dog"With apologies for the delay, it's finally time to get back on the rack! Our Smegazine odyssey reaches February 1993, a very interesting time in Red Dwarf history, as the magazine's news page documents. In this episode, we uncover the origins of Entangled, some foreshadowing of The Promised Land and the first ever…

Tom Salinsky is our special guest to talk about his two volume book, Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series. Packed with history, trivia and insights, it's a comprehensive companion to the show across all media. Volume 1 covers the original BBC series and is due to be released on 30th August 2024. Have a listen to this week's ep to find out how much …

Hear more from Andrew O’Neill and Bethany Black. As we drift through deep space towards series five, this is the third in a short series featuring extras from our series four guests. Andrew O’Neill talks about how much fans will forgive, misquoting music, and metalheads in Red Dwarf. Bethany Black shares some juicy TV insider knowledge, unexpected …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our Maid Marian series 1 episodes and series 11 of Red Dwarf, Mark welcomes Michael Dodson from the Conversation Street podcast for a discussion about Craig Charles's character in Corrie: Lloyd Mu…

Exclusive extra content from Tom Neenan and Alice Fraser, to bridge the gap between series four and five. This is the second in a short series featuring more from our series four guests. Tom Neenan brings his brilliant brain to bear on continuity, the later series, Barbara Bellini, the Justice Field, Nicholas Ball, space mumps, and… just how clever…

Before we launch into series five, enjoy some more from Matt Kirshen and Garrett Millerick. This is the first in a short series of specials featuring extra content from our great series four guests. Matt Kirshen muses on the difference between US and UK comedy – specifically TV scheduling, stand-ups, stunt casting, sitcom scuzziness, and science. G…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our Maid Marian series 1 episodes and series 11 of Red Dwarf, Mark welcomes the returning Rob Turnbull to chat abouts series 1 of the 10%ers, a sitcom written by Doug Naylor after series 6 of Red …

Top comedian, writer and actor Bethany Black was the first kid in her school to get into Red Dwarf. She spread the word and soon everyone was into it. So, you can expect a lifetime of wisdom and enthusiasm! We have an interesting chat about how the show relates to the Alternative Comedy movement and other sitcoms of the time. Bethany reveals how he…

Andrew O’Neill knows the exact date they got into Red Dwarf, telling us “it was exactly ‘me’ flavoured”. Surely we can all relate? And, refreshingly, they’re a proper fan of the Dave era episodes! Andrew is very insightful on why the show is perfect for young people… and metalheads. Series 4 episode 5, Dimension Jump, raises some interesting questi…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this final of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 6 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Whiteish Knight. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as wel…

The incredible Alice Fraser goes all-in on what makes Red Dwarf awesome. Cleverness! Silliness! Heart! Toast! An amazing parliament-based metaphor (don’t worry, not political). A very cool comparison with a Pixar classic. And a traumatic memory of Rimmerworld that lives forever in a dark corner of Alice’s mind. Onto series 4 episode 4, White Hole, …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this fifth of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 5 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Sharp End of a Cow. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as …

Smashing comedian and lead writer of The Mash Report, Tom Neenan brings his giant comedy brain to bear on Red Dwarf. Unsurprisingly for such a seasoned comedy writer, he is super insightful on the special ingredients that make Red Dwarf so great - from its vivid nature, to Grant and Naylor’s knack for smuggling in psychology. Plus: the lessons kids…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this fourth of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 4 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Miracle of St Charlene. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodi…

Acclaimed standup Garrett Millerick came to Red Dwarf aged 11, with series 6. He quickly became an obsessive collector of the VHS collections, falling in love with both classic ‘eras’ (series 1-2 and series 3-6). He even had an Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers t-shirt custom printed. As we unravel series 4 episode 2, DNA, Garrett reveals an intere…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this third of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 3 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: A Game Called John. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as well…

Not just a globetrotting standup who shot to fame in the US on Last Comic Standing, Matt Kirshen is also a TV comedy writer, with credits including Arrested Development and The Jim Jeffries Show. So, no surprise he’s full of insights into the crafty magic of Red Dwarf. Matt’s particularly thoughtful about the factors that make British and American …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this second of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 2 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: Robert the Incredible Chicken. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter El…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this first of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 1 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: How The Band Got Together. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie …

Which amazing comedians do we have for you in series 4? When’s it launching? And what are our hopes and dreams for the newly announced 2025 Red Dwarf miniseries? All these questions are answered in this series 4 preview. Plus: some brilliant listener emails on all sorts of stuff – from pottery, saxophones and adolescent tears, to the answer you’ve …

It’s our second selection of choice off-cuts from series 3. Find out what else the wonderful Jonno and the incredible Dulcé Sloan had to say about the greatest British sci-fi sitcom of all time. Plus: listener emails about swearing and hidden lyrics in the Red Dwarf theme tune. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwa…

Keep yourself warm between series with this selection of juicy off-cuts from recent episodes. Find out what Vix Layton, Kirsty Newton, Nick Doody and Tom Price said that you didn’t get to hear before. Plus: a listener shares a tale of youthful fandom cringe. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci…

"Nic Farey is why we have to take off our shoes in airports"Even by the standards of the Red Dwarf DVDs, the series VI release was special and probably represents the arguable pinnacle of the original set of releases. As such, Cappsy, Danny and Ian had a marvellous time reliving an absolutely packed release of musical insight, more SFX behind the s…

That’s right. Dulcé Sloan off The Daily Show is a lifelong Red Dwarf fan! She and her family have loved the show since she was a kid, when it first aired in the USA on PBS. Dulcé has great insights all over the place - from why the US remake was doomed to fail, to the genius of Backwards. Which member of the crew did she have a crush on? Is continu…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between Series X and 11, Mark welcomes Rob Turnbull to chat about Mama's Back, a sitcom pilot directed by legendary Red Dwarf director, Ed Bye. Host: Mark Adams Guest: Rob Turnbull Editor: Mark Adams Twit…

Jonno is here and he’s geeking out! He’s never missed a Gazpacho Soup Day, and we’re talking comprehensive rankings of eps and seasons. As a TV comedy writer and member of powerhouse sketch trio Sheeps, his fandom has evolved along with his experience as a crafter of comedy. Expect insights into what the show tells us about what’s wrong with Rimmer…

Red Dwarf changed Tom Price’s comedy DNA. The multitalented actor, radio presenter and podcaster shares his fan story - from being Talky Toaster at school, to bonding with his future wife over their shared love of the show, all the way to what happened when Tom did studio warm-up for a Dave-era Red Dwarf taping. His insights are plentiful, especial…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between Series X and 11, Carl welcomes Mark to chat about The Asylum, a British horror film from the early 00s that stars Chloe Annett. Host: Carl Bryan Co-Host: Mark Adams Editor: Mark Adams Twitter: @Re…

Ep 15 - POLYMORPH It’s our first ever two guest spectacular! Musical comedy virtuoso Kirsty Newton and phenomenal standup Nick Doody are joyful company as they share their love of Red Dwarf - from the mighty theme tune’s spacey vibes, to taking comfort in the company of misfits. You’ll find out which one of them has a groinal socket. And Kirsty and…

Craig Charles called Will Duggan a “wazzock” on BBC radio - in this ep, he tells us why! Will came to Red Dwarf at a random episode of series 8 (that’s not why Craig dissed him on 6 Music). Over several years, he caught episodes out of sequence, before finally learning the backstory of this “workplace sitcom that happens to be set 3 million years i…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 6 of series X of Red Dwarf: The Beginning. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitte…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special bonus episode, Mark has a chat with Kurt about his eperience at Carlisle Comicon. Chris Barrie was there, and Kurt got to meet him and ask him a question in the Q&A. There's also some exciting Red Dwarf news from Ch…

Vix Leyton has waited years to be asked about Red Dwarf! She shares her journey as a fan - from growing up in a space opera loving household, to abusing her pre-standup day job by engineering a working lunch with Robert Llewellyn. Vix also muses on how Rimmer’s grown on her as she’s gotten older, and together we ponder whether the show’s lightness …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 5 of series X of Red Dwarf: Dear Dave . Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: …

Before we get to series 3, we need to talk about what the smeg happens after Parallel Universe. We find a missing episode that would have dealt with Lister’s pregnancy. And a ‘story-so-far’ that’s the ‘story-so-fast’ you might not be able to take it in. So we’ve done the work for you. Get prepped for the next series and enjoy some brilliant listene…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 4 of series X of Red Dwarf: Entangled. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor: Kur…

Stuart Goldsmith hates Duane Dibbley. There’s your clickbait opener! In fact, the inventor of ‘comedians talking about comedy’ proves to be massively in love with classic Dwarf - and hugely insightful about its craft and appeal. He talks about the influence and resonance each character has had on him over the years. And gives an insider’s perspecti…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 3 of series X of Red Dwarf: Lemons. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor: Kurt N…

Sarah Mills greets us with her own version of the Red Dwarf theme tune - and it’s the perfect start to an especially bantery ep. Sarah talks about not being a sci-fi fan, yet wishing she’d come up with the concept of Red Dwarf. She shares her enduring love for a classic ep from series 4. And she has a great take on why we enjoy spending time with R…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 2 of series X of Red Dwarf: Fathers and Suns. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North T…

Discover why improv comic and playwright David Reed is nostalgic for the days when series continuity wasn’t all that important. Hear his take on the boys from the Dwarf as characters from Winnie The Pooh. And shudder at the memory of David’s wife breaking Starbug. As we pull apart series 2 episode 4, Stasis Leak, David helps us celebrate the brilli…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 1 of series X of Red Dwarf: Trojan. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @R…

Acclaimed comedy writer and actor Gemma Arrowsmith joins us, sporting an awesome Mugs Murphy t-shirt. Her combo of megafandom and top-tier scriptwriting insight makes for a wide-ranging, illuminating conversation – from Grant and Naylor assuming the viewer’s intelligence, through to how unlikely it is that a sitcom driven by relative unknowns would…

"There's two scythes to every story."In this very exciting instalment of our journey through all things Smegazine, Cappsy, Danny and Ian are joined by two very special guests - Chris Barrie's nipples. Listen along as the five of us discuss neural networks, yuppies, Kochanski's giant forehead, Norman Wisdom's popularity in Albania, whether or not Ba…

Human hurricane John Robertson talks about inspiring some of Norman Lovett’s standup, having a Twitter misunderstanding with Robert Llewelyn, Hattie Hayridge’s s**t stirring mate, and an embarrassing encounter with Chris Barrie. As we immerse ourselves in series 2 episode 2, the creator of live action videogame The Dark Room tells us why he would b…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode to celebrate the 5th anniversary of S&C's podcast network, We Made This, we collaborate with the Pick A Disc podcast. Matt, the host of Pick A Disc, is joined by Carl. Following the Pick A Disc show format, …

BAFTA-nominated film maker, author and comedian Nat Luurtsema explains why Rimmer really doesn’t deserve nice things. We talk grubby, grotty losers and reassuring lessons about growing up. You’ll also get to hear the moment Nat wins Red Dwarf. Analysing series 2 episode 1, Kryten, we discuss the theatrical roots of our favourite mechanoid’s name, t…

Which awesome comedy guests will join us to celebrate series 2 of Red Dwarf? How’s our sacrilegious recasting game going? What do our listeners make of it all? And… The Muppets Take Red Dwarf! Please enjoy this pithy palette cleanser before series 2 kicks off. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest s…